Question

The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol by yeast is called
A. Fermentation
B. Pasteurisation
C. Alcoholism
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Yeast has many commercial uses. Brewer’s yeast is used to convert sugar into alcohol. Alcoholic fermentation is a complex biochemical process wherein yeasts convert sugar to ethanol. Oxygen is not involved in the process.

Complete answer:
The mechanism by which sugar is converted into alcohol is called fermentation. Ethanol Fermentation is a biological process that converts sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose into cellular energy, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide as a side effect, also called alcoholic fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation is known as an anaerobic since yeast conducts this conversion in the absence of oxygen. The fermentation of ethanol has many applications, including the manufacture of alcoholic drinks, ethanol fuel manufacture, and bread baking. Fermentation of the natural sugars found in grapes creates wine. Similar fermentation of natural sugars in apples and pears produces cider and Perry, respectively. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in some species of fish, where it provides energy when the oxygen is scarce. Another type of fermentation occurs in the muscle in the absence of oxygen during a heavy exercise which leads to the accumulation of lactic acid in muscle cells.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Fermentation is a metabolic process which, through the action of enzymes, induces chemical changes in organic substrates. The organism used for this process is Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Brewer’s yeast). The process roughly takes 2-3 weeks to get completely fermented. The time required is dependent on the quality of yeast used.